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Will I get into grad school?

My friends and family say it won’t be the end of the world if I don’t get in — but I’m so stressed!

You’ve done everything you can, says our elder. Have faith.

Dear EWC

I am really worried about getting into grad school. I have a great GPA and have a lot of experience in the field, but I have a hard time believing that I am special enough to be accepted. I feel like I do not stand out among other applicants and don’t really know how to make myself feel better about it. My friends and family tell me not to worry about it and that even if I don’t get in, it isn’t the end of the world. But I am stressed about it. How do I raise my confidence in myself?

Good-Listener replies

I completely understand your stress level peaking with regard to getting into grad school. It has to be a tough time. Here’s the thing. You’ve done what you can to secure a spot. You did the work, and now it’s no longer up to you — it’s up to the admissions process, and you can’t control that. I know that may not help but those are the facts. We’re always told to “control what we can control” and you’ve done that! Your folks know it, your friends know it — and none of them will think any less of you if you don’t get accepted. It’s almost like an audition. You can be the best actor in the world with all sorts of accomplishments, but the producer or director is looking for a different type of “look” for that particular role.

If you don’t get in, sure, it will be a disappointment, but I’m with your folks (who sound like great people, by the way). It’s not the end of the world. There may be other programs, other ways of getting to where you want to go. And, again, it’s nothing that you did wrong. You know you’re smart, accomplished and have worked hard. And, I bet if you were giving advice to someone else, you’d be saying the same thing to them. Have faith and confidence because successful people always find a way — and you fit that bill. Take heart, and good luck (which you don’t need, but I’ll say it anyway!)

Letter #: 451537
Category: School

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